Medvedev Blames US Irresponsible Policies for Rise of ISIL

KUALA LUMPUR–The United States is responsible for the strengthening of the so-called “Islamic State” terrorist organization due to its “irresponsible policies” Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev underscored yesterday.

“Instead of concentrating joint efforts on fighting terrorism, the United States and its allies decided to fight against the lawfully elected President of Syria Bashar Al-Assad,” Medvedev said commenting on US President Barack Obama’s assessment of Russia’s role in Syria.

 According to Sputnik news, Obama claimed that Moscow previously had focused on supporting President Al-Assad, but the crash of the Russian A321 plane over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula may change its approach.

According to Medvedev, Washington once contributed to strengthening of the al-Qaeda terrorists, which led to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. These events show that only joint efforts should be used to fight terrorism, not dividing allies into “us and them,” Medvedev stressed.

“The sensible policy in the Middle Eastern countries, be it Syria, Egypt or Iraq, for all countries, including the United States, should entail support of the legitimate authorities, who are able to ensure the integrity of the state, and not destabilize the situation,” Medvedev said.

Russia has repeatedly expressed its readiness to cooperate with other countries in fighting terrorism and called for forming a wide anti-ISIL international alliance under the umbrella of the United Nations and in coordination with legitimate governments in the region. 

Russia has been launching airstrikes against ISIL positions in Syria under President Al-Assad’s request since September 30.

Hamda Mustafa